Cornish Pirates

RFU Championship Round 6

Sunday 11th October 2009
Kick-off 3pm

Phil Westren's Preview

It is expected that a big crowd will gather at the Recreation Ground, Camborne, on Sunday, where the Cornish Pirates will take on the mighty challenge of Bristol.

For this eagerly awaited clash the Pirates have named a side that shows several changes in their starting line-up from the one that ran out against Plymouth Albion last weekend.

In the absence of injured captain Gavin Cattle, and missing also the services of vice-skippers Blair Cowan, Ben Gulliver and Chris Morgan, who are all sidelined with injuries.

 

Stalwart prop Alan Paver will have the honour of leading the Pirates against last season's relegated side from the Premiership. He is named at tight-head prop in place of Rudi Brits and Carl Rimmer is selected at loose-head prop ahead of Paul Andrew.

Dave Ward, who has been used as a replacement in the last two matches, starts at hooker, with Rob Elloway dropping to the bench. The second-row and back-row are the same as played much of the first half and all of the second at the Brickfields.

In the backs, scrum-half Ben Jones, who has been signed by the Pirates on a short term deal, is lined up to make his third start in the club's colours, whilst Aisea Havili is fit again and takes over on the wing from Rhodri McAtee.

Added to the Pirates 'bench' this week is back row/lock forward Alex Shaw who is on loan from Premiership side Sale Sharks.

Alex is a quality player, a former member of the Leicester Academy who has been a regular for Sale 'Jets'. Aged 22, the 6' 3" and 102 kgs youngster has played for England up to U20s level and arrives highly recommended.

The loan signing also provides another example of how the Pirates are trying to maintain a squad capable of competing with the best in the Championship.

As for Bristol, it is expected that they will be skippered by experienced scrum-half Jason Spice, a former 'All Black' who headed east across the Severn from Cardiff Blues during the close season.

Tickets for Sunday's game will be available on the day, although it is advisable to arrive early to avoid potential congestion.

Cornish Pirates:
W. Davies, R. Cook, N. Jackson, M. Ireland, A. Havili
R. Jones, B. Jones, L. McGlone, T. Holmes, S. Betty,
L. Collins, M. Evans, A. Paver (capt), D. Ward, C. Rimmer.

Replacements:
P. Andrew, R. Elloway, R. Brits, A. Shaw, J. Moore, S. Winn, R. McAtee.

Bristol
Luke Arscott; Lee Robinson, Jack Adams, Junior Fatialofa, Dan Norton
Adrian Jarvis, Jason Spice (c); Alex Clarke, David Blaney, Darren Crompton
James Phillips, Roy Winters, Iain Grieve, Redford Pennycook, Dan Montagu.

Replacements:
Ross Johnson, Wayne Thompson, Mariano Sambucetti, James Merriman,
Sam Alford, Luke Eves, Tom Arscott

Referee: Keith Lewis (RFU)
Assistants: Steve Leyshon & Eric Woodmason

Mascot: Daniel Rhys Evans

Match Day Sponsor: Speedy Hire

Match Ball Sponsor: Clydesdale Bank

Associate Sponsors:
Kier Group – Samurai – Worldwide Financial Planning Ltd – BedrockFinance - and St. Austell